Andrew names what is present - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?
John 6:8–9

Andrew names what is present
Jesus Christ wants to be alone with His disciples. But a great crowd follows Him, remains with Him, and listens to Him: all day long. He sees their inner need but He also knows that now, towards the end of the day, they are hungry. So He asks His disciple Philip the question, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” The latter counts, calculates and replies, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.” He knows what he has – and he knows it will not be enough (v. 5–7).

But the Lord Jesus is neither surprised nor perplexed nor overwhelmed. We are told, “For He Himself knew what He would do” (v. 6).

The disciple Andrew has discovered that a boy has five barley loaves and two fish with him. We could say of the boy – very thoughtful! To discover, among 5,000 men and certainly other women and children, a boy who has bread and fish with him – remarkable! Then to realise, “What are they among so many?” – understandable! And to tell Jesus anyway – courageous! Just these five barley loaves and the two fish the Lord now takes and multiplies – a great miracle! All are filled and there is even some left over (v. 9–13).

Yes, Andrew has an eye for what is available, for what is small, for what others easily overlook. I appreciate that about him, because I know for myself how often I have overlooked small things or have not even mentioned them to the Lord. Andrew sees and names what there is, and Jesus Christ takes it and uses it. Let us act like him!

Today’s reading: 1 Samuel 12:1-15 · Psalms 94:12-23